The King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day has become a regular festive nightmare for the bookmakers and Kauto Star can ensure it remains the case.

Paul Nicholls's brilliant chaser bids to complete a hat-trick in the Christmas showpiece and a clear round should be enough to pull it off.

Twelve months ago Ruby Walsh's mount put up his finest ever performance to leave a quality field toiling and, returning to Kempton, it is difficult to envisage anything other than a repeat victory.

If ever the old adage horses for courses applied to one individual then it has to be the son of Village Star who is a 7lb better horse here.

Ironically Kauto Star bids for a hat-trick in this race after a less than satisfactory effort at Haydock, which is a similar scenario to last December when far from authoritative at the Lancashire course before the Christmas championship. But most leaving the Sunbury track a year ago said it was the finest round of jumping they had witnessed there since Desert Orchid's domination of the event.

Nicholls has expressed satisfaction with Kauto Star's preparation at home and the vibes couldn't be stronger.

This race has proved a lucrative hunting ground for favourite-backers with the last four obliging and at odds of around 5-4 Kauto Star is generously priced to complete the nap hand.

Voy Por Ustedes is on offer at around 7-2 which looks poor value, especially having never tackled this trip before, let alone against specialist three-milers.

Over two to two and a half miles the former Champion Chaser is top class, but you are taking on trust the fact he will get this trip. Alan King's star faces a baptism of fire tackling a horse bidding to become the first since Dessie to win three consecutive King Georges.

Our Vic was a well-beaten second last year, but managed to turn the tables on the selection at Aintree giving connections reasons to be hopeful. David Pipe's charge goes particularly well fresh and if the favourite has an off-day this could be the one to take advantage. With a strong record first time out Our Vic is worth including in forecasts.

The teak-tough Snoopy Loopy benefitted from Kauto Star's fall at Haydock last month and is sure to make his presence felt again. He will have more behind than in front at the end, but this is a massive ask.

Imperial Commander is an interesting candidate, but will have to put up one of the most improved performances of all time to succeed. Impressive in the Paddy Power Gold Cup off a mark of 139, the two market leaders are respectively rated 36lb and 34lb higher than that mark.

But as long Kauto Star is none the worse for the Haydock mishap, everything points to the Clive Smith-owned eight-year-old stepping into Desert Orchid's shoes and being hailed the King of Kempton.